COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has made three new hires:

Rick Catrone has been hired to serve as manager of the Northern Lights Branch (4093 Cleveland Ave.).

Tony Howard, the previous manager of the Northern Lights Branch, has been hired to serve as public services director, overseeing staff transition during the upcoming Main Library renovation – expected to be completed in 2016.

Charlie Hansen has been brought on to serve as public services director, replacing Nate Oliver, who was hired as the library’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) in July.

Catrone has been with CML for eight years in various roles. He currently serves as divisional manager of circulation at Main Library. As branch manager, he will oversee staff and serve as a visible leader in the Northern Lights community. He begins his new role in the organization onMonday, Oct. 27.

Howard has been with CML for nearly nine years. Prior to his work as manager of the Northern Lights Branch, he served as a service area manager for both the Northern Lights and Karl Road branches. Howard began in his new role on Monday, Sept. 29.

Hansen will oversee library operations at CML’s Franklinton, Gahanna, Hilliard, Hilltop, Linden, New Albany and Whetstone branches. He previously served as director of the Granville Public Library. Hansen began his new role at CML on Monday, Oct. 13.

Columbus Metropolitan Library has served the people of Franklin County, Ohio since 1873. With its Main Library and 22 branches, CML is well known for signature services and programs like Homework Help Centers, Reading Buddies, Summer Reading Club and Ready for Kindergarten. The library’s Strategic Plan supports the vision of “a thriving community where wisdom prevails,” which positions CML to respond to areas of urgent need: kids unprepared for kindergarten, third grade reading proficiency, high school graduation, college readiness and employment resources.

CML was named a 2011 National Medal Winner by the Institute for Museum and Library Services for work in community service, the highest honor for libraries and museums. Columbus Metropolitan Library has been rated a 5-Star Library by Library Journal for seven of the eight years the magazine has published its industry ratings.